Do I have to pay this debt?

[allvan]

What is the name of your state?

I am in California.

On 7/12/2002, I have enrolled to a review class, which cost $900 and I have paid $300 the same day and took the class.

Frankly, I can not remember whether I have paid the remaining balance or not, because the review was long gone and I never received anything from the institution since.

On 8/17/2006 I received a "PAST DUE" letter from the institution claiming that my account still have an unpaid balance of $600 and a late fee of $50 and submit my account to collection, if they do not hear from me before the end-of-month.

I don't keep financial records this long. What should I do? What is the proper way to response?

Thank you very much.

Allan.

[Ladynred]

I don't keep financial records this long.

Why not ?? You should ! You should keep financial records for a minimum of 7 years just because of the IRS !

What should I do?

Ask them for PROOF, ask them to validate the debt. In most states the FDCPA does not apply to original creditors, but CA is one of the few states where the FDCPA DOES apply to them.

What is the proper way to response?

Send them a letter asking them to prove their allegations. You can find info on validation at [url]www.creditinfocenter.com[/url]

[allvan]

A friend of mine has mentioned about the 4-years statutes of limitations on debts in California can be applied?

[Ladynred]

That depends on when this debt went delinquent. If you attended the class in 7/2002, you may be JUST over the SOL. You'd better be absolutely sure of your dates before you use the SOL. That's why I said you should ask them for PROOF.